Japanese spindle tree

Japanese spindle tree is an evergreen tree growing up to 7 metres tall.

Description

• Twigs are four-ribbed and wrinkled when dry.

• Leaves are oval, finely serrated, glossy and opposite. Leaves are either variegated yellow or green.

• Flowers are small, green and grow clusters.

• Seed capsules are round, pink and fleshy, dispersed by birds, water, and soil movement.

• Habitats include forest and shrubland, coastal shrub, bare land, forest margins, and cliffs.

What you need to know

Japanese spindle tree forms dense stands and is assumed to exclude native plants and prevent seedling recruitment.

Management approach

Japanese spindle tree is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, multiplied, communicated, released, caused to be released, or otherwise spread.

To help protect our environment:

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consult your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Site management

Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Physical control

Dig out or pull-out small plants or seedlings

Plant parts requiring disposal: seeds

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal options

Chemical control

Cut plants close to the ground and immediately treat remaining stump with herbicide gel containing glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl, or picloram.

Foliar spray with 0.5g metsulfuron-methyl plus 3ml penetrant per 1L water.

Foliar spray with 6ml triclopyr plus 1ml non-ionic surfactant per 1L water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.